Audi e-tron prototype unveiled

German brand reveals e-tron SUV in Geneva.

Audi e-tron prototype unveiled

Audi has given its best look yet at its forthcoming Tesla rival, revealing an e-tron prototype vehicle at the 2018 Geneva motor show.

Unlike previous concepts cars that featured bolder but less production-ready styling, this latest show car gives a clearer indication of the model that will hit showrooms in 2019.

Despite heavily stylised camouflage the prototype still looks similar to the existing Audi SUV range with only limited styling changes to make it stand-out from the Q3 and Q5. Despite having no internal combustion engine the prototype still has a large Audi single-frame grille to give it a familiar look. At the rear there is a large light the runs the width of the tailgate to connect the taillights, which is a break from tradition.

While Audi didn’t reveal any dimensions, the e-tron appears to be slightly smaller than the Q5, but Audi claims there is still room for five-passengers.

Audi was limited in the details about the new model, only confirming it will be capable of being recharged in 30 minutes using a fast-charging system. Instead the company focused on the details of the prototype test program.

Approximately 250 test vehicles will be deployed around the world during the development program ahead of production beginning in Brussels in late 2018.

However, Audi chairman Rupert Stadler reiterated the brand’s commitment to electrification, reaffirming the goal to have three fully electric models on sale by the end of the decade.

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“Audi sets an important milestone for the company’s future with its first purely electrically powered model,” said Stadler. “In 2020 we will have three all-electric vehicles in our product range, with a four-door Gran Turismo – the production version of the Audi e-tron Sportback concept – and a model in the compact segment joining the sporty SUV. We will be launching more than 20 electric cars and plug-in hybrids by 2025 – spread across all segments and concepts.”

The e-tron production car is due to be revealed in Brussels in August.